PowerBook G4: A Modern Classic

[@FBI-sr2eg]

The production quality on these videos is fucking insane for channel this small, you absolutely deserve at least 100k

[@speedsrj]

I have the last powerbook g4 model the hi-res 1.67 ghz model, still use it today, there are a lot of things these machines still can do

[@SystemAnomaly]

I'd be interested to learn what you still do with it in 2021!

[@ghost-user559]

@@SystemAnomaly Try to find a Linux distro that still supports the hardware. You might be surprised just how far you can push it after some serious troubleshooting.

[@transitengineer]

Please do a future video where, on the 12-inch G4 laptop you add a community created (not an official Apple upgrade) Power PC Snow Leopard type operating system called OS X 10.5.9 (Sorbet Leopard). There are several videos about this on You Tube. My goal is to also add the Sorbet Leopard operating system to my 12-inch G4 PowerBook (smile...smile).

[@kenm2709]

@@SystemAnomaly legacy software, music production, graphic design, there are a lot music studios that still run PowerPC macs using logic 8. I was just in an a classroom the other day that ran on an Emac from 2006, an emac is called an educational mac, it was a very low end powerpc mac that actually used a CRT introduced in 2002 and discontinued in 2006.

[@Errcyco]

I’m not sure I could ever go back to a 2000’s track pad. I hated them then and even more now. And the nasty smooth spot that formed.. yuck.

[@NeverSeenTheFilm]

I have a lot of nostalgia for this. I got a 15" when I started college in 2004 even though I wanted the 12" Yao Ming used in the commercial so bad. The marketing really worked on me! Used it all the way through grad school and always loved it even if it was showing its age by the end.

[@SystemAnomaly]

Having had a 17” and knowing friends who had a 12”, the 15” seemed like a good happy medium - the 17” had a tendency to bend over time from just use, being a relatively weak aluminum design, and that ultimately killed mine. The 15” was just a little bit more solidly built.

[@paulcross4632]

I still have my PowerBook g4 17” and sometimes get it out every now and then to look at it. I’ve had to repair the screen, I’ve done soldering to the board to fix the dodgy keyboard connector, I’ve replaced a speaker, upgraded to a SSD, and almost 20 years later it’s still a fantastic looking machine.

[@skylerliew5562]

I own the current 2021 MacBook Pro and I can really see the design language inspire by the curves and shapes from the Powerbook, its so cool

[@SystemAnomaly]

The more things change, the more things stay the same, it seems.

[@RandomFandomOfficial]

This is an underrated channel.

[@dnazz9784]

i miss my Powerbook G4 12 inch so much...i used it mostly for Logic Pro 7 and it never let me down.

[@Petrospect]

I saw the Triumph and it made sense. Very car-like presentation if that makes sense, which I like. It seems to me the '06 MacBook Pro is a better machine for today than the PowerBook G4 is. Such a clean design though, Apple returning to this square shape is only natural. I'd love to see content on the Spitfire(?)! At least a project introduction. Thing looks like a time capsule barn find.

[@SystemAnomaly]

One day. Regardless of the direction I go with it, I’ll be building a new wiring harness for it, so there’s that to see.

[@Petrospect]

@@SystemAnomaly That is brave. I'd love to see that.

[@SystemAnomaly]

Of all the things I’ve made or converted harnesses for (don’t ask me how I know that a diesel C10 main harness isn’t the same as the gas version), the Spitfire is probably one of the simpler ones. I’ve already vanquished Lucas, the Dark Lord once before in this thing.

[@Petrospect]

@@SystemAnomaly Yikes. But nice. But yeah sounds straightforward now. Wiring is definitely black magic for me though. So that's definitely gonna be curious either way.

[@h8pewou]

Nice laptop! I have recently upgraded a 12” model with an IDE SSD and it is surprisingly fast now. With that said, still not very practical in 2021. I still love it though. :)

[@SystemAnomaly]

I've asked in one of the various vintage computing communities on possible upgrade paths, and was recently informed that IDE SSDs do in fact exist - I was originally thinking about some kind of IDE CFCard or adapter set, but believe me, I was excited when I found out about these.

[@transitengineer]

However, I have been told you will need to use first generation SSD's.

[@cyberlizardcouk]

this is one thing I prefer about the old Macs. You could upgrade them. The current glut of Macs are essentially e-waste waiting to happen as everything is soldered down.

[@gsav7801]

First thing you can do is change hard drive to SSD, 2nd expand the Ram to 2gb, 3rd actualice to Leopard, 4th quicktime 7.7, download software updates. Ten four fox browser, ten five tube for videos, screen stream for netflix, office 2008 to some work.... And some polish for the aluminum cover.... I just did it for mine

[@SystemAnomaly]

Check out kzbin.info/www/bejne/eaCZeWRtqauNers where I address some of these issues and my opinions on the matter.

[@transitengineer]

Also, you highlighted age correct software but, you should do another video using the max software version supported. For example, I use iLfe '09 and iWorks '09 which, each work great on Power PC systems running OS X 10.4 (Tiger).

[@SystemAnomaly]

I’d have to keep that in mind, though I feel like it might be an exercise in PowerPoint slideshow like performance in some applications.

[@davejnathan10]

That small bezels.. i can't believe it, even the newer 2010 era mbp had a larger bezel

[@SystemAnomaly]

Yeah, seems like it’s only recently that the bezels were brought back in line. And even that had to have some compromises.

[@zaptheporcupine1578]

I never understood why apple always keeps around these big bezels / notch design. Personally I don't like it very much and even companies like ASUS manage thin bezels perfectly fine with their zenbook series (even has a camera... so yeah) I strongly believe if they really wanted thin bezels apple could do that but what keeps them from implementing such a design? Sure the newest macbook pro now has thin bezels but with a notch that seems very unnecessary

[@warrenmcclure7819]

If anything I think selling it could be a great option for one it'll allow someone else to add it to their collection and for two you'll be able to make a little money outta it. A good condition PowerBook like this is sought after by us collectors

[@BattleDroid0402]

This is very professional. You should have more subscribers! So, now I've put you at 76. :)

[@TheRus13]

The Morph OS can be put on the MAC PPCs and continue to be used. It requires few resources and programs are written for it. It came from the Amiga platform.

[@SystemAnomaly]

I’m add it to my list for the eventual third video on this.

[@awakeFromNib]

What about your Spitfire 1500 project? Any progress? That could be interesting video.

[@PeterEmery]

I have three G4 PowerBooks, one is a Titanium one, the others are a perfect 12-in 1.5 GHz and a 15-in with 1.2 GHz that's not woking so well. The latter two have SuperDrives installed.

[@pupper2054]

Great video, subscribed!

[@polishrat5317]

underrated channel

[@pedfabre]

Great video!!

[@MRHOTCAKE]

I have one of this PowerBook G4 17" still on use, but I think I'm going to change its thermalpaste

[@fernandoalcayaga8341]

Do you know when a technician is professional? When wearing an antistatic bracelet!!! Perfect review. Thank you!!!

[@SystemAnomaly]

Something past jobs have imparted upon me. Doesn't mean I don't forget, but I often try.

[@jub8891]

plot twist: they are actually chains used to prevent workers from escaping

[@miguimau]

I love the 12" Powerbook G4. My wife has one but its battery died long time ago and having a Macbook Air it doesnt´t make sense to revive it. But I still use my MBP late 2006, which is in a pristine condition. Only software limitations are the limit.

[@SystemAnomaly]

Software limitations do keep them stuck behind, but that also gives them an advantage when trying to run old programs.

[@transitengineer]

That is so cool to hear. In my collection, I have both the 12-inch Powerbook with a 1.5 GHz G4 processor and, a 15-inch Intel MacBook Pro each with max RAM. Have installed on both systems Microsoft Office, iWorks '09, and iLife '09. Use my 12-inch G4 laptop to burn and watch DVD's during lunch in the office and, my 15-inch Intel laptop has installed the Arctic Fox for use on the internet (smile...smile).

[@transitengineer]

Also own a 12-inch G4 Powerbook. Before, Covid-19, I would daily carry it into the office, just to check my home E-mail and watch DVD movies during lunch. Currently, it needs a new power charger which, I will need to get before we are asked to return to the office full time (smile...smile).

[@johngatev6958]

Commenting before this video blows up

[@ubrfxy]

Hi there, did you manage to reconnect the modem after reassembling all the parts? 😀 Asking for a friend. 👀 Cheers

[@SystemAnomaly]

If you’re referring to the dial up modem, that’s onboard the logic board. The wireless card was properly reconnected during reassembly.

[@transitengineer]

Own the 12-inch version of the G4 Powerbook. Learned when using OS X 10.4 (Tiger) that, I had to update to the last Apple update something like OS X 10.4.11 before my dial-up modem would work properly with my AOL service. However, my understanding is that AOL dropped dial-up service for mac systems about 6 years ago.

[@SystemAnomaly]

I remember when I had my original 17”, I went abroad and Internet wasn’t exactly an always available thing like it is today. Barely anyone had WiFi. But my buddy traveling had AOL. The one and only time I used AOL dial up.

[@pujaastika]

I have one of this, it's still alive but unfortunately it has many fungus on the screen 😢 I thought you have a 1.25 GHz, or maybe the 1.5 GHz variant. I could see from the keyboard flexible. The 1.67 GHz -- mine now is this -- has only one flex end. The trackpad and keyboard flexes joined into one flex to the board, it doesn't ended separated particularly like yours. I have the 1.25 too, but in dead condition, only for parts

[@deanrussell9061]

worked for me on huawei thank you so much!

[@HStark]

Hi! What spray did you use to clean off the residue on the board? Thanks!

[@SystemAnomaly]

CRC QD Electronics Cleaner

[@HStark]

@@SystemAnomaly thank you!

[@GMEZA]

What camera do u use?

[@SystemAnomaly]

Nikon D5600

[@amonster8mymother]

I found this powerbook in the park. I bought a power supply took it home and turned it on. It works. I put a DVD 8n it and it ran a few times and then the DVD stuck it wouldnt eject. I decided to take it apart. I got the disk out then I realized it would be difficult to put it back together I took it to a tech. He put it back together but now it doesnt work.

[@amonster8mymother]

The dealer said that there was water damage inside but I suspect he might have confiscated the HD he asked me if it didnt work do I still want it back yes I did I got it back from him but now I dont know if I can get it to work. Perhaps I may buy another one. I also have a g3 powerbook and an i7 mbp.

[@amonster8mymother]

He also said it would not take a ssd.

[@Jeromeromeshelton]

This was my 1st Mac

[@Rod_Knee]

Maybe a Linux install could give this classic beast some new life.

[@transitengineer]

True, but it is sometimes hard to find vintage Power PC versions of Linux. Unless, you downloaded it yourself about 20 years ago when it was still modern (smile...smile).

[@Rod_Knee]

@@transitengineer I'll give Adélie Linux a crack - we'll see if I can get it running.

[@kaitlyn__L]

@@transitengineer Debian was still doing it a few years ago (perhaps they still are) as were a few of the BSD projects!

[@charliekahn4205]

@@transitengineer Gentoo maybe? Since it's all source, there shouldn't be a problem.

[@LostieTrekieTechie]

It's a beautiful machine, but you're right the productive use of such a device is questionable.

[@georgesenda1952]

I like older Mac games and am not interested in the current Mac games so this laptop would be fine for me and some of my older games like Civilization 3 Complete REQUIRE a Mac G4 to be playable.

[@aaroninclub]

3 hour battery life used to be what you could get when a PowerBook battery WAS NEW!! LOL

[@kenm2709]

it was actually 5 hours, I can confirm this because I was using Powerbooks and ibooks back in the day when they were brand new. And On an Ibook with light use I can say it really did last about 5 hours.

[@SystemAnomaly]

I don't remember if I mentioned in the video, but back in 2004 I had a 17" PowerBook G4, and it had about a 4-hour battery life. I always carried around an extra battery so I could get an entire day's worth out of it. What impressed me about this was that it still had the *original* battery, and despite its age, it was able to give me a few hours of use.

[@lcaise]

nice stufff...do You consider to continue G4 saga :D ?

[@SystemAnomaly]

Absolutely

[@therealmccoy7221]

The PowerPC had a lot more room to grow. Microsoft, Sony and Nintendo used it in the Xbox 360, PS3 and Gamecube. There alao were Upgrades for PowerMacs with the next generation G4 CPU MPC7448 that were fast. Real fast. A Windtunnel G4 with one of these (dual processor) and a Linux distribution is still a very usable machine today. Apple abandoned PowerPC for purely financial and political reasons (IBM and the diva Jobs just didn't go together).

[@iranouspolaris2035]

Hi so when more episodes on this its the greatest Macbook ever.

[@SystemAnomaly]

There’s another PowerBook video where I install an SSD and upgrade the memory, and later I’ll be doing another video on this once I’ve worked through some of my other content.

[@brunodossantospereira3446]

Hello, I have the same but it does not turn on can you help me?

[@SystemAnomaly]

Unfortunately there’s a lot of things that could keep these from turning on. I won’t be able to troubleshoot this through the comments, but the first things I would try is to make sure the power supply I’m using is good and plugged in. If that’s not the issue, then it’s any number of other parts that have failed.

[@amonster8mymother]

I think I've got the later one.

[@pintobeans994]

cute dog

[@turbolenza35]

Just want to warn everyone : do not enter any password nor card number while using an outdated computer online.

[@transitengineer]

True, I try to never enter my credit card information on-line.

[@WizardNumberNext]

wrong date on each boot and no wireless passwords

[@mammoh]

Why the ap**e logo?

[@madissiimkull]

Run PPC linux on it.

[@CreamyCrumble]

My guy caressing a PowerBook at the start of the video 💀

[@SimplyJordanSlays]

I can't connect to the internet

[@userjack6880]

Contact your ISP?

[@transitengineer]

Own the 12-inch version of the G4 Powerbook. Have you tried to connect to the internet using a wired Ethernet cable? I am able to connect to the internet both wired (using an Ethernet cable) as well as wireless over my home wifi network using a Motorola Cable Modem (model number MB-7420) Time Warner/Charter/Spectrum version that is paired with a Netgear Router.

[@amalmahanta1875]

sell it to me

[@angellondian7628]

I had one. Nostalgia porn